The revelation that Vice President Mike Pence never eats alone with a woman other than his wife has sparked an interesting and rather heated debate on social media.

Alex Brandon / AP

According to a recent Washington Post profile of Karen Pence, the vice president told The Hill in 2002 that he never eats alone with any woman but his wife. He also reportedly told The Hill that he wouldn't attend events that served alcohol without his wife.

The Post profile characterized Karen Pence as a strong influence in her husband's political career and an integral part of the Trump campaign.

The story also explored the couple's evangelical Christian faith and its impact on their personal and political lives.

The dining revelation was defended by some as a personal choice made by the Pences, applauded by others as an example of relationship goals, and criticized by detractors as demeaning to women.

As writer Laura Turner explained in a Twitter thread, Pence was following an evangelical Christian practice known as "the Billy Graham Rule."

In 1948, renowned American evangelist Billy Graham vowed never to be alone with a woman other than his wife to avoid even the appearance of an inappropriate relationship and to protect his marriage, according to a Christianity Todayarticle.

Turner acknowledged that the Billy Graham rule came "from a good place," but she criticized its modern-day interpretation, saying it was "dehumanizing" and reduced women "to sexual temptations."

People also argued that it was hypocritical of Pence to keep his distance from other women while choosing to remain on the Republican presidential ticket after last year's Access Hollywood tape emerged.